Love Island 2019: Joe's behaviour on show is 'immature' and 'childlike', relationship expert states

In the few days that the new series of Love Island has been on, the reality television show has already sparked heated debates about relationship "red flags".

The main discussion has centred around new Islanders Joe Garratt and Lucie Donlan, whose relationship – if one can even call it that at this stage – encountered a few speed bumps from the get-go.

After coupling up on the first day of the show, sandwich salesman Joe became embittered when newcomer Tommy Fury chose to recouple with surfer Lucie.

Following Tommy and Lucie's first date – which they had to go on straight away as part of Love Island's format – a vexed Joe told Lucie that he didn't think he could "trust" her anymore.

This comment caused a furore on Twitter, with several Twitter users condemning the 22-year-old's behaviour as "possessive" and "manipulative".

Jo Barnett, relationship and personal development coach, explains that Joe's "immature" and "childlike" actions could have a long-term impact on his romantic prospects with Lucie.

"Joe clearly does not know how to behave or keep his cool and will push his love interest, Lucie, away," Barnett tells The Independent.

According to psychologist Madeleine Mason Roantree, Joe's behaviour towards Lucie shows he was trying to "erode her confidence".

Mason Roantree explains that as no one has "declared any exclusivity" in the villa as of yet, Joe is not "within his 'rights'" to make such a statement without it coming across "emotionally manipulative".

After Lucie and Tommy were coupled up, Joe decided to flirt with fellow contestant Amber Gill as a means of making Lucie jealous.

Joe later admitted in the Love Island confessional booth that he regretted his actions, and said he'd acted from "pure emotion".

"If they are going to try to 'get back' at you by flirting with someone else then that's also a sign of childish behaviour and these relationships won't last long," Barnett says.

Several Love Island fans have stated that Joe's behaviour is a clear example of relationship "red flags".

"Joe is red flag city. Get out while you still can Lucie," one person tweeted.

James Preece, dating coach and expert, details the importance of keeping an eye out for "red flag" behaviour at the beginning of a relationship.

"Common red flags at the start of a relationship can include getting jealous, emotional blackmail or constantly arguing. These are all indications that the journey isn't going to be a smooth one," Preece tells The Independent.

"It's better to cut the negativity and focus on someone who is a better fit. Life, like Love Island, is full of new opportunities."

Nonetheless, Preece believes the nation should give Joe more time before jumping to conclusions about his character.

"While Joe definitely did display worrying behaviour, I would suggest he is given a bit longer before he is judged," the relationship expert says, highlighting the fact that all the contestants are "outside their comfort zone".

Preece explains that Joe had "some stability" with Lucie, before it was abruptly "taken away from him".

"His actions may be simply a loss of control. I'd class this as an amber flag... for now," Preece adds.

Ofcom has reportedly received several complaints regarding Joe's behaviour.

According to The Sun, the broadcasting regulator received five complaints about Joe after he confronted Lucie about her first date with Tommy.

“We will assess these complaints under our broadcasting rules but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate," a spokesperson for Ofcom said.

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